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Speech and Language Therapy Team raise awareness of Developmental Language Disorder

25/11/2025

'Sinead Marlow and Karen McGlinchey, Speech and Language Therapists in WHSCT, pictured with staff and children from Ebrington Speech and Language Class, visited the Mayor in the Guildhall today to help raise awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

Speech and Language Therapy Team enjoy visit to Guildhall, Derry/Londonderry to raise awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

Our Speech and Language Therapy Team are continuing to raise awareness for Development Language Disorder (DLD).  Developmental Language Disorder is a hidden but common disability that affects 1 in 14 people causing difficulties understanding and using language for no known reason.

Cadhla McGrath, pupil in Ebrington Speech and Language Class, presenting the Mayor with 'DLD snacks and facts' to help raise awareness of DLD

Speech and Language Therapists support children with DLD in Ebrington Speech and Language Class.  Children attend the Speech and Language Class to receive specialist teaching and intervention to help support their speech and language needs.  On Monday 24th November, they all visited the Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council in the Guildhall to help the campaign of raising awareness of DLD, by sharing information and DLD facts with the Mayor.

Sinead Marlow, Western Trust Speech and Language Therapist for DLD explains

‘The Speech and Language Therapy Department are committed to raising awareness of DLD. DLD results in a child having difficulties talking and/or understanding language. This is a lifelong condition that affects approximately two children in every classroom of children.  It can affect literacy, learning, friendships and emotional wellbeing, Despite being a common condition, a lot of people still haven’t heard of DLD. It is so important that we help raise awareness of DLD to ensure that those affected can receive support from professionals including Speech and Language Therapists and teachers, which can make a real difference to their lives.

For any more information about DLD, please contact the Speech and Language Therapy Department in your local Health Centre, or visit the RADLD website